It is not necessary that whilst I live I live happily; but it is necessary that so long as I live I should live honourably.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Living honorably is essential, even if happiness is not always present.
- In plain terms
- Honor matters more than constant happiness.
- What can you take from it?
- Prioritize integrity over fleeting joy.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is honor always worth the cost?
- How to balance honor with personal well‑being?
Another view
Strict honor can lead to personal sacrifice and isolation.
More from Immanuel Kant
It is not God's will merely that we should be happy, but that we should make ourselves happy.
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